Boot and boot fitting system

ABSTRACT

A waterproof boot ( 10 ) is provided that has a waterproof upper ( 14 ), having a foot portion ( 16 ), a leg portion ( 20 ) and an ankle region ( 18 ) located between the foot portion ( 16 ) and the leg portion ( 20 ). A pocket ( 30 ) Is provided in the upper ( 14 ) at an anterior aspect of the ankle region (IS), An expansion mechanism ( 24 ) is provided In the upper ( 14 ) and is adapted to allow the upper ( 14 ) to expand in the ankle region ( 18 ). A selectively removable Insert ( 32 ) is also provided that Is adapted to snugly fit within the pocket ( 30 ).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to footwear, and moreparticularly to a waterproof boot and boot fitting system intended toprovide improved support and fit for a wearer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Waterproof industrial rubber safety boots exist in various forms.Typically, a rubber boot has a waterproof, moulded upper with a wide legopening, a wide leg portion and excess width across the anterior aspectof the ankle, all to allow for easy removal of the upper from the mouldduring manufacture and to allow a wearer's foot to be easily inserted.

The excess width, particularly across the anterior aspect of the ankle,causes the foot to slip up and down in the boot, resulting in excessivefoot motion and instability. More particularly, the heel of the wearer'sfoot slips and moves in the boot with each step taken. This excessivefoot motion forces the wearer's extrinsic and intrinsic foot and legmuscles to “overwork” in order to maintain stability and balance.

One complication with fitting a waterproof boot for different wearers isthat the dimensions of one person's ankle can differ considerably tothat of the next even between two people with the same foot size. If theankle region of the boot is a fixed size for a given foot size, then theboot may be too tight to fit a wearer with large ankles and yet tooloose fitting for a wearer with small ankles.

Moreover, typical waterproof industrial safety boots are heavy due tohaving a steel toe cap. However, due to the increased weight and poorfit of such boots there is an increased probability of the wearerslipping and falling, as well as blisters and other foot, leg, and lowerback problems.

The width of the upper opening of typical waterproof boots furtherallows for liquids, foreign bodies etc. to enter the boot through theleg opening, causing discomfort to the wearer. Foreign bodies enteringthe boot through the leg opening is also a safety hazard.

A need therefore exists for a close fitting waterproof industrial safetyboot which combines optimum safety protection and function, while notinhibiting the wearer's gait, and with increased wearer comfort.

Accordingly, it would be useful to provide a boot that avoids orameliorates any of the disadvantages present in the prior art, or whichprovides another alternative to the prior art approaches.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or atleast ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages, or to provide auseful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a waterproof bootcomprising:

-   -   a waterproof upper, having a foot portion, a leg portion and an        ankle region located between the foot portion and the leg        portion;    -   a pocket provided in the upper at an anterior aspect of the        ankle region;    -   an expansion mechanism provided in the upper, the expansion        mechanism adapted to allow the upper to expand in the ankle        region;    -   a selectively removable insert adapted to snugly fit within the        pocket.

Preferably, the expansion mechanism is a zip mechanism. Alternatively,the expansion mechanism is a section of stretchable but resilientmaterial.

Preferably, the pocket has an aperture through an interior lining of theboot providing access for the insert to be inserted into, and removedfrom, the pocket. Alternatively, the pocket is accessible via anexternal aperture in the upper, the aperture having a waterproof zipmechanism to allow opening and closing of the aperture.

In a preferred embodiment, the insert tapers away in cross-sectionalprofile to a thin edge at its extremities to provide a smooth transitionbetween the insert and the upper when the insert is inserted in thepocket.

The waterproof boot preferably further comprises an inner sleeve at anopening of the upper, the sleeve having an adjustable opening to allowit to be secured tightly around a wearer's leg to substantially preventwater and other objects from entering the boot during use.

In a preferred embodiment, the translational friction between the insertand the pocket is sufficient to substantially prevent movement of theinsert in the pocket during use.

Preferably, the upper is a unitarily formed, moulded upper.

Optionally, the insert is specifically tailored or selected based on aparticular wearer's ankle dimensions to provide an optimal fit of theboot to the particular wearer's foot.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a boot fitting systemcomprising:

-   -   a boot according to the first aspect; and    -   a plurality of said inserts, each insert being a different size,        the inserts being interchangeable in the pocket to change the        fit of the boot in the anterior aspect of the ankle region.

Preferably, the plurality of inserts includes at least a large insertand a small insert, the large insert having a greater thickness than thesmall insert.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method of fitting awaterproof boot to a boot wearer, said method comprising the followingsteps:

-   -   providing a boot according to the first aspect with a boot size        corresponding to the boot wearer's foot size; and    -   inserting said insert into said pocket to snugly fit the        wearer's foot in the ankle region of the boot.

Preferably, the boot is provided with multiple said inserts, each of adifferent size, and wherein the method further comprises trying multipledifferent sized inserts to determine the best fitting combination ofboot and insert.

Alternatively, the insert is specifically tailored or selected based ona particular wearer's ankle dimensions to provide an optimal fit of theboot to the particular wearer's foot in the ankle region.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way ofspecific example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a boot from the lateral side;

FIG. 2 depicts the boot of FIG. 1 from the medial side;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the boot of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the unitarily mouldedupper of the boot of FIG. 1 and a removable insert;

FIG. 5a is a front view of a small insert for the boot of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5b is a cross-sectional view along A-A of the small insert of FIG.5 a;

FIG. 5c is a side view of the small insert of FIG. 5 a;

FIG. 6a is a front view of a large insert for the safety boot of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view along A-A of the small insert of FIG.6 a;

FIG. 6c is a side view of the small insert of FIG. 6 a;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 to 3 depict a boot 10 that has a sole 12 and a moulded upper 14that can be formed from rubber, PVC or another polymer. The upper 14 hasa foot portion 16 connected to the sole 12, an ankle region 18, and agenerally tubular leg portion 20, which extends upwardly from the ankleregion 18 to a boot opening 22 just below the wearer's knee.

The leg portion 20 of the boot 10 is relatively narrow compared to atraditional rubber boot, restricting lateral and medial movement of thewearer's leg within the boot 10 and providing a better fit to thewearer's lower leg.

As best depicted in FIG. 2, the boot 10 is provided with an expansionmechanism 24 in the leg portion 20 that extends to the ankle region 18to allow expansion of the ankle region 18. The expansion mechanism isdepicted here as a waterproof zip mechanism 24 extending along themedial side of the safety boot 10 from the ankle region 18 along the legportion 20 to just below the boot opening 22. The zip mechanism 24 stopsat a distance below the boot opening 22 to maintain the structuralintegrity of the boot 10 and to maintain a waterproof upper 14.Alternatively, the zip mechanism 24 may be placed along the back of theboot 10 and/or extend only to near the ankle region 18. The zipmechanism 24, when opened, allows the narrow leg portion 20 to expand,particularly in the ankle region 18, which facilitates insertion orremoval of the wearer's foot. Other expansion mechanisms may be usedinstead of a zip mechanism such as an area of stretchable but highlyresilient material that will allow the ankle region 18 to expand as thewearer's foot is inserted and then contract back once the wearer's footis in place.

A calf adjustment strap (not illustrated) may be provided on the legportion 20 near the boot opening 22. Handles (not illustrated) may beprovided on the leg portion 20 near the boot opening 22 to facilitatedonning and doffing of the boot 10.

The sole 12 and upper 14 are waterproof. In order to inhibit the ingressof liquids and prevent other objects entering the boot opening 22, awaterproof inner sleeve 26 is provided. The waterproof inner sleeve 26has a drawstring 28 for narrowing the inner sleeve 26, thereby providinga waterproof fit against the wearer's leg. Objects, such as mud andstones, are also prevented from entering the boot 10 during use by theinner sleeve 26.

As is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the foot portion 16 has a raised heel anda rounded toe. The raised heel and rounded toe provides a “rockermotion”, which facilitates a natural gait by the wearer, which may beinhibited by the snug-fitting structure of the boot 10. Additionally,the rocker motion provided by the raised heel and rounded toe portionprovides a more energy efficient gait pattern, causing less musclestrain for the wearer.

The foot portion 16 may also be provided with a toe cap to provideimpact protection to the wearer. Preferably the toe cap is manufacturedfrom light weight carbon fibre. A reflective strip may be provided alongthe posterior of the leg portion 20 to improve visibility in the dark.

Tapering of the upper 14 at the anterior aspect of the ankle region 18reduces repetitive movement of the foot and lower leg relative to theboot 10 in the sagittal plane. However, in order to have the upper 14moulded in a single piece, the ankle region 18 needs to be wide enoughto allow the upper to be removed from the mould. This typically resultsin an upper 14 that has excess space in the anterior aspect of the ankleregion 18 and in the leg portion 20.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, to further limit movement of the foot inboth the frontal and sagittal plane, the boot 10 is provided with apocket 30 internal to the anterior aspect of the ankle region 18 of theboot 10 that is designed to receive and secure a removable insert 32.The insert 32 is formed from a flexible but firm material such as a firmfoam material.

The lining inside the boot 10 in the region of the pocket 30 isseamless, thereby preventing any seams irritating the wearer's foot. Thepocket 30 is accessible via an aperture 34 on the inside of the boot 10and the insert 32 is inserted into, and removed from, the pocket 30 viathe aperture 34. Alternatively, the pocket 30 is accessible from theoutside of the boot 10 through an aperture that can be opened and dosedvia a further waterproof zipper.

The pocket 30 has a generally ovular shape and is formed from astretchable fabric with the small aperture 34 at the upper end. Theaperture 34 in the stretchable fabric is designed to expand as theinsert 32 passes through the aperture 34 and then contract to hold theinsert 32 in place within the pocket 30. Fabric hook fasters mayoptionally be used to close the aperture 34. The materials selected forthe insert 32 and pocket 30 may also be selected to ensure a high degreeof translational friction between them, sufficient to substantiallyprevent movement of the insert 32 relative to the pocket 30 during use.This further assists in holding the insert 32 in place within the pocket30. The pocket 30 may be formed in a lining of the boot 10 and thelining may be either fixed in the boot 10 or removable.

The insert 32, when secured in the pocket 30, acts to narrow theinterior space at the anterior aspect of the ankle region 18 of the boot10. This results in the interior surface of the boot 10 conforming moreclosely to the shape of a typical wearer's foot, particularly followingthe anterior aspect of the ankle region of the wearer more closely.

However, the dimensions of one person's ankle can differ considerably tothat of the next even between two people with the same foot size.Accordingly, a range of different sized inserts 32 is provided allowinga given foot size of the boot 10 to be tailored to fit different anklesizes.

As depicted in isolation in FIGS. 5a to 5c and FIGS. 6a to 6c , a seriesof differently sized and/or shaped inserts 40, 50 is provided forinsertion into the pocket 30 to create a boot fitting system. Twodifferent sizes of insert 40, 50 are depicted in the drawings, althoughany number of different sized inserts could be provided. By selectingthe most appropriate size of the insert 40, 50 and inserting it into thepocket 30, the thickness of the anterior aspect of the ankle region 18can be selectively tailored to closely fit the size of the ankle of thewearer's foot. This helps to “lock” the wearer's foot comfortably in theboot 10 preventing excess movement of the wearer's foot within the boot10, particularly helping limit ‘heel lift’ during a wearer's stride.

By way of comparison, FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c depict a small insert 40 andFIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c depict a large insert 50. The small insert 40 andlarge insert 50 have generally similar length and breadth dimensions butdiffer significantly in thickness, particularly in the mid-region 42, 52of the inserts, as best contrasted in FIGS. 5b and 6b . The large insert50 is considerably thicker than the small insert 40. When secured in thepocket 30 of the boot 10, the large insert 50 extends inwardly into theanterior aspect of the ankle region of the boot 10 further than thesmall insert 40 does. This allows the boot fitting system to accommodateankles of different sizes within the same foot size boot 10.

The inserts 40, 50 typically taper away in cross-sectional profile to athin edge at their extremities to ensure a smooth transition between theinsert 40, 50 and the upper 14. This helps avoid irritation to thewearer's feet.

Once the appropriate insert 32 is secured in the pocket 30, the boot 10becomes quite close fitting. In order to don the boot 10, the wearerfirst opens the zip mechanism 24 which allows expansion of the ankleregion 18 as the wearer's foot passes into the foot portion 16. The zipmechanism 24 can then be dosed to contract the ankle region 18 and holdthe wearer's foot snugly in the boot 10.

The combination of having a boot 10 with a pocket 30 at the anterioraspect of the ankle region and a corresponding removable insert 34, aswell as a release mechanism 24 in the ankle region 18 of the boot 10overcomes the problems associated with loose-fitting waterproof boots.

The boot 10 according to the present disclosure results in limited footslip and excessive foot motion within the boot 10. Thus, the wearerexperiences better balance and stability, resulting in less fatigue andless injuries. With the improved fit of the boot 10, in combination witha slight rocker sole, the foot and leg work together as a leverthroughout the gait cycle, making the gait more energy efficient. Insummary, the boot 10 according to the present disclosure results inincreased comfort, less fatigue and increased safety, making the bootdesign ideal for use as a waterproof safety boot, particularly in miningenvironments, and other wet area workplaces, such as meat processingplants. It also is ideal for use in fishing and other wet arearecreational sports environments.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specificexamples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that theinvention may be embodied in many other forms.

1. A waterproof boot comprising: a waterproof upper, having a footportion, a leg portion and an ankle region located between the footportion and the leg portion; a pocket provided in the upper at ananterior aspect of the ankle region; an expansion mechanism provided inthe upper, the expansion mechanism being spaced from the pocket andadapted to allow the internal circumference of the upper to expand inthe ankle region; a selectively removable insert adapted to snugly fitwithin the pocket.
 2. The waterproof boot of claim 1 wherein theexpansion mechanism is a zip mechanism.
 3. The waterproof boot of claim1 wherein the expansion mechanism is a section of stretchable butresilient material.
 4. The waterproof boot of claim 1 wherein the pockethas an aperture through an interior lining of the boot providing accessfor the insert to be inserted into, and removed from, the pocket.
 5. Thewaterproof boot of claim 1 wherein the pocket is accessible via anexternal aperture in the upper, the aperture having a waterproof zipmechanism to allow opening and closing of the aperture.
 6. Thewaterproof boot of claim 1, wherein the insert tapers away incross-sectional profile to a thin edge at its extremities to provide asmooth transition between the insert and the upper when the insert isinserted in the pocket.
 7. The waterproof boot of claim 1 furthercomprising an inner sleeve at an opening of the upper, the sleeve havingan adjustable opening to allow it to be secured tightly around awearer's leg to substantially prevent water and other objects fromentering the boot during use.
 8. The waterproof boot of claim 1, whereinthe translational friction between the insert and the pocket issufficient to substantially prevent movement of the insert in the pocketduring use.
 9. The waterproof boot of claim 1, wherein the upper is aunitarily formed, moulded upper.
 10. The waterproof boot of claim 1wherein the insert is specifically tailored or selected based on aparticular wearer's ankle dimensions to provide an optimal fit of theboot to the particular wearer's foot.
 11. A boot fitting systemcomprising: a boot according to claim 1; and a plurality of saidinserts, each insert being a different size, the inserts beinginterchangeable in the pocket to change the fit of the boot in theanterior aspect of the ankle region.
 12. The boot fitting system ofclaim 11 wherein the plurality of inserts includes at least a largeinsert and a small insert, the large insert having a greater thicknessthan the small insert.
 13. A method of fitting a waterproof boot to aboot wearer, said method comprising the following steps: providing aboot as defined in claim 1 with a boot size corresponding to the bootwearer's foot size; inserting said insert into said pocket to snugly fitthe wearer's foot in the ankle region of the boot.
 14. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the boot is provided with multiple said inserts, eachof a different size, and wherein the method further comprises tryingmultiple different sized inserts to determine the best fittingcombination of boot and insert.
 15. The method of claim 13 wherein theinsert is specifically tailored or selected based on a particularwearer's ankle dimensions to provide an optimal fit of the boot to theparticular wearer's foot in the ankle region.